With “Petrichor,” The Lost Trades once again deliver a stunning collection of songs that showcase their remarkable vocal harmonies and songwriting prowess that this splendidly eclectic and melodic folk outfit bring to life. The album takes a slightly darker turn than their debut, exploring themes of mourning, escape, and starting anew, while still maintaining their trademark sound that has earned them recognition in the Official UK Folk Albums Chart. The title “Petrichor,” which refers to the earthy scent that lingers after rain, serves as a fitting metaphor for the album’s emotional journey of finding hope and renewal after difficult times.
Kickstarting with Old Man of the Sea, the vocal duet instantly brings you into this very classic approach towards folk music that have given The Lost Trades their distinctive sound and acclaim.
On”Keep My Feet Dry”, you’re immediately tuning in to a folk record that hits all the right nails on the head. Earthy, grounded, and filled with intricate yet seemingly simple acoustic arrangements, the record really hits its stride when the larger vocal harmonies start to take shape with a real focus and medley.
Songs like “Daffodils” still echo a much more warm and sunny feeling within the more melancholic and moody soundscape that the larger section of the album evokes. Here, you find yourself relieved and almost in a mood of cheer and carefree, worry-less, joy. Songs like “Little Blackbird” give way to almost acapella vocal harmonies at times, really showcasing just how fantastic the vocals across this record can be.
As far as folk projects go, few are hitting the nail on the head with reviving and bringing to life this classic folk song as well as The Lost Trades do on “Petrichor”. It’s simply expertly and meticulously pieced together from back to front, a riveting ride that captivates you, soothes you, and has you looking inward and outward with equal attention and emotion.